I did not suggest they would be replaced after 20 years. Rather they would still be running, but there would be a couple of newer generation models running around with them, thus rendering the nomenclature ironic or inappropriate.

With regard to the seats, there was a full sized replica of the interior layout of the new trains, at the open day of the Wulkuraka Maintenance Centre (See photos). In the words of Tim Nicholls, the new trains will have wider isles. As the loading gauge restricts the overall width of the train it occurred to me that the seats must be narrower. I measured the width of the SMUs and also the NGR replica double seats and the NGR seats are narrower overall.

The new trains have side destination displays which I have only seen display ‘test train’. I cannot see that these are going to be large enough to display full destinations, certainly not Springfield Central, Fortitude Valley or Coopers Plains. Maybe Kippa Ring will fit.

Loading points for disabled passengers are in the middle of the full length platforms. In the new trains the guard will be at the far end of the train in the other driving compartment which will be interesting when the ramp is needed.

Will the new Transport Minister want to show off the new trains at the official opening of the Redcliff Peninsular line next week? I guess so (with the seats back in place of course)